Predators hope to snap skid against Stars
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}(SportsNetwork.com) - The Nashville Predators didn't lose consecutive games in regulation this season until late February, but are now in danger of heading into the postseason having matched their longest skid of the season.
The Preds try to avoid a sixth loss in a row on Saturday night when they visit the Dallas Stars.
Nashville is 0-3-2 over its past five games, its longest losing streak since a season-high six-game slide from Feb. 26-March 7. The Predators' latest setback came on Thursday, a 4-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Forward Filip Forsberg and defenseman Seth Jones had a goal each, while Pekka Rinne made 23 saves. Forsberg is tied for second among NHL rookies with 25 goals and 62 points.
"Maybe this is a good wake up call for us," Predators captain Shea Weber said. "We're not playing good enough hockey to win in the playoffs."
Nashville is locked into second place in the Central Division and will play either the Chicago Blackhawks or Wild in the first round.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Forward Mike Fisher missed Thursday's game with a lower-body injury and is day-to-day.
The Stars aren't going to the playoffs, but they are looking to finish the season strong. They have won three straight and eight of their past 11 games, including Wednesday's 4-0 decision over Anaheim, preventing the Ducks from clinching the top seed in the Western Conference.
Jamie Benn continued his surge with three assists. He has nine points in his past four games as well as nine goals and 10 assists over his last 11. Benn is a point behind Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby and John Tavares of the New York Islanders for the NHL lead with 83 points.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Patrick Eaves scored twice and both Vernon Fiddler and Jordie Benn lit the lamp in Wednesday's win. Jhonas Enroth made 19 saves for his first shutout with the Stars, second this season and fifth of his career.
"We didn't have any pressure on us, we just went out there and played," said Enroth.
Dallas forward Tyler Seguin was held out of practice on Friday after arriving late, putting his status for this game up in the air due to possible disciplinary repercussions. Defenseman Alex Goligoski also sat out of practice due to an undisclosed injury and may not play tonight.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Stars halted a three-game slide to the Predators with a 4-3 overtime win in Nashville last Saturday. Dallas has won three of the past four meetings at home.
Rinne is 3-0-1 with a 2.21 goals against average and .907 save percentage on four matchups with the Stars. Kari Lehtonen, who could start tonight for Dallas, is 8-8-1 versus the Preds with a 2.41 GAA and .914 save percentage in 17 meetings.
Lehtonen has allowed 23 goals over his past six games.